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Sulllvan Storms Back to World Cup Podium

by

USSA

2012-11-24 14:39

Marco Sullivan came out of 42nd start position to take his first Audi FIS World Cup podium since 2009. (Getty Images/AFP-Alexis Boichard)

LAKE LOUISE, AB (Nov. 24) - Veteran U.S. Ski Team downhiller Marco Sullivan parlayed a strong training run Thursday plus two weeks of training at the U.S. Ski Team Speed Center at Copper into a third place downhill finish in the opening Audi FIS Alpine World Cup speed event of the season in Lake Louise. Starting 42nd, Sullivan hit a perfect line to tie with Austrian Klaus Kroell .64 seconds behind winner Aksel Lund Svindal of Norway. Ryan Cochran-Siegle (Starksboro, VT) was 25th for the USA. Universal Sports Network will broadcast the race at 9 p.m. ET.

HIGHLIGHTS

Veteran speed skier Marco Sullivan (Squaw Valley, CA) solidified his comeback with his first Audi FIS Alpine World Cup podium since 2009 with a third in the opening dowhill.

It was the fourth podium of his 13 year career with the U.S. Ski Team that includes a downhill win at Chamonix, France in 2008.

Sullivan switched to Atomic skis and boots in the off season and spent a long six week stretch in Chile to dial in his new equipment.

He had been training at the U.S. Ski Team Speed Center at Copper Mountain since late October before traveling to Lake Louise.

Downhill Junior World Champion Ryan Cochran-Siegle (Starksboro, VT) was 25th for the best downhill result of his career.

Universal Sports Network will broadcast the race at 9 p.m. ET

QUOTESMarco SullivanIt's set in immediately. It was a little bit emotional at the finish. Just to have that happen after a few down years and to start out the year like this, is beyond my expectations.

I wouldn't still be racing if I didn't think I could still compete. This year, my place on the team was a little bit in jeopardy. I lost a lot of sponsors. I worked really hard this summer and for it to show on the first race of the year was special.

I had a couple of herniated discs in my back this spring and didn't do a whole lot for three months, except for therapy for that. Once I was finally feeling good, I spent a six-week block in Chile and really got comfortable on the new equipment.

We showed up at the U.S. Ski Team Speed Center at Copper and it was in great shape. The training was fantastic and that really gave me some confidence. I came up to Lake Louise, knowing I could do something good. My goal was top 10 and to exceed that was awesome.